Nba Beat

Basketball - NBA Beat

July 21, 2001

SPURS LOSE ANDERSON

Free-agent guard Derek Anderson orally committed to sign with Portland while his agent asked the San Antonio Spurs to try to work out a sign-and-trade deal with the Trail Blazers. Anderson agreed to sign for the mid-level exception of $4.5 million. His six-year deal, with an opt-out clause after five years, would be worth $34 million.

Anderson, the Spurs' second-leading scorer last season at 15.5 points per game, said he was unhappy San Antonio would not guarantee a sixth year or give him the maximum allowable raises each year.

DAVIS SIGNS WITH RAPTORS

Admitting the Raptors were his third choice, Antonio Davis re-signed with Toronto for $64 million over five years. Davis said he almost signed with Chicago but was angered when Bulls General Manager Jerry Krause offered $10 million less than he originally proposed. Davis made headlines in Canada last month when he said was worried his twin boys weren't learning American history in Canada. He said he's resolved that problem with his general manager.

"I talked to Glen Grunwald about it and we're going to try to hire another teacher for their school that will offer some American history," said Davis, whom the Magic also tried to sign.

The Raptors also finalized a contract with point guard Alvin Williams.

VAN EXEL'S MOTHER SHOT

The mother of NBA guard Nick Van Exel was ambushed outside her apartment early Friday and shot four times -- once in the face, twice in the chest and once in the leg. Joyce Van Exel, 47, was recuperating in an Indianapolis hospital in stable condition. Police say they are searching for a suspect and motive since nothing was stolen.

LAKERS SIGN RICHMOND

Guard Mitch Richmond, 36, who last season became the 26th player in NBA history with 20,000 career points, and forward Samaki Walker signed contracts with the Los Angeles Lakers. Injuries to both knees limited the 6-foot-5 Richmond to 37 games last season when he averaged 16.2 points -- six points under his career average. Walker, 25, waived by San Antonio last month.

ELSEWHERE

Forward Clarence Weatherspoon left the Cleveland Cavaliers to sign a five-year $27.5 million contract with the New York Knicks. . . . Chicago acquired point guard Greg Anthony from Portland for a future second-rounder.